Background:

Contact Theory is a theory and an application for lowering prejudicial attitudes. Contact Theory is a scientifically backed theory that intergroup contact under appropriate conditions can effectively reduce prejudice between majority and minority group members. This presentation will focus on what contact theory is and how the State can apply its principles in real life. In addition to being a tool for reducing prejudice, contact theory is a justification for why a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive workplace is so important. We will examine real-world examples of how Contact Theory is being applied in Washington State government. Examples include the panels on gender identity that the Rainbow Alliance & Inclusion Network has been doing across agencies, the work OFM is doing to create a space where BRGs are working and collaborating with each other, the work of the Equity Office Taskforce, which led to the creation of the statewide office of Equity, and the allyship gathering being produced by all the BRGs and ICSEW.

Facilitators:

Allison Spector Allison obtained a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Western Washington University and a joint Juris Doctor and Masters in Business Administration from Willamette University. Allison started her state career at the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) and currently Allison works for the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) Office of Equal Opportunity as a Title VI and Equity Analyst. Allison’s duties include coordinating WSDOT’s efforts to restructure its Title VI plan and advising on language access issues. Allison is also involved in state Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts including serving on Governor Inslee’s Equity Office Task Force, serving on the Rainbow Alliance and inclusion Network’s (RAIN) advisory committee, serving as co-chair of the Washington Immigrants Network’s professional development subcommittee, and serving as co-chair of the Interagency Committee of State Employed Women’s (ICSEW) partnerships subcommittee. Outside of work, Allison volunteers as a designated guardian ad litem for kids in foster care and active in her local city government.